Baghdad: Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein affirmed on Monday that Iraq continues to pursue a balanced policy based on supporting dialogue and peaceful solutions while preserving its national interests.

According to Iraqi News Agency, a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that “Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein received the Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation and former Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Shugaev, and the Director General of the State Corporation for Military Exports, Alexander Mikheev, in the presence of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Iraq, Albrus Kutrashev.”

The statement added that “the Minister welcomed the Russian delegation,” emphasizing “the importance of bilateral relations between the Republic of Iraq and the Russian Federation, and Iraq’s commitment to continuing dialogue and joint cooperation in a way that serves mutual interests.”

“The meeting discussed a number of issues of common interest and stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual concern, in light of current regional and international developments.”

The minister affirmed, according to the statement, that “Iraq continues to pursue a balanced policy based on supporting dialogue and peaceful solutions, and preserving its national interests,” noting “the importance of developing cooperation in a way that strengthens the capabilities of Iraqi institutions, particularly in areas that contribute to supporting Iraq’s security and stability.”

“The Russian side, for its part, affirmed its country’s readiness to continue cooperation and the exchange of expertise in areas of mutual interest, in a way that contributes to developing bilateral relations and enhancing coordination between the two countries.”

The statement concluded, “This meeting comes within the framework of ongoing communication between Iraq and Russia, and aims to strengthen prospects for bilateral cooperation in line with common interests and regional and international developments.”